MASON CITY, IA - Joann Hammarstedt guides families through the difficulties of Alzheimer’s."When we started five years ago we had five people at our first meeting. Our group is now around 20."
She says the number of those with the disease is growing. They're even seeing more cases of early onset Alzheimer’s
"We're seeing mothers and fathers that their child has Alzheimer’s. Which is getting to be a little scary because we are seeing an increase in that."
But there may be hope for sufferers and their families. Doctors are finding five more genes connected to the disease. It could mean better medication in the future.
Right now there is no treatment available to slow or stop the deterioration of the brain in Alzheimer’s patients. Some doctors say it could be another ten years before they can turn this gene discovery into a drug.
"The genes have always been there obviously and so I think the difference is coming in the fact that we're diagnosing better."
But for families and friends of those afflicted she says it's good to follow these updates in research.
"It’s important to get as much information as you can to be a good caregiver. You have to know what you're dealing with."
